The Estonian entrant for two Eurovision Song Contests – 1996 and 1997 – Maarja has been chosen to be one of the 16 finalists for this year's prestigious International Competition for Young Singers of Popular Music “New Wave 2004” to be held in the end of July in the Latvian town of Jurmala.

She is said to perform the song “Mis värvi on armastus?” (“What color is love?”) in Russian, that is why she has been refreshing her Russian skills lately.

The competition for the 16 finalist spots was tough. The singers had to send in a demosong, then a two day long semifinal was held in Moscow, where the jury chose the best singers. The total number of entrants was 79 for the semifinal from all over the world.

In the final the artists have to perform three songs – a hit from their own country, one international hit and one song written especially for this contest. The first prize is 25.000, second one 20.000 and third 15.000 American dollars. Also an audience favourite prize will be given out.

The contest will be held for five days – from 28th July to 1st August.